I've got 7 weeks before we all head to Melbourne from the UK. Work visas are in the process of getting fixed and we have our house and car on the market. My wife is panicking as we still dont have any short or medium term accommodation to go to when we get off the plane.

Is this a common situation? Has anyone else sorted this out before they arrived?

Spending 2-3 weeks in a hotel while we look on arrival seems an expensive and avoidable situation.

But i could be wrong.

We're also losing our minds over deciding whether to take our 10 month old border collie with us. £2500 is a lot of cash and we feel it would limit our chances of getting that property we really wanted based on us having pets.

Dont mind to sound panicky, i knew this would be trying, but the stress is starting to fizz now....

We thought the same and arranged a furnished rental through an estate agent. We went to Perth so the details of the estate agent won't help you.

But have a look on www.realestate.com.au , click on "rent" and then look under the suburbs you're interested in.

Pick something that has plenty of internal photographs (to make sure you don't get a hell-hole) and choose something with fully ducted air-con (otherwise you could end up feeling very hot or very cold depending on the time of year you arrive). And make sure all bills (except phone) are included in the weekly rent.

I wouldn't rent from a private person without seeing the property first: more chance it's a hell-hole and they could do a runner with your deposit.

With regards to the dog: He'll have to spend a month in quarantine anyway. After that you could always "smuggle" him into your rental ...

Gina

[QUOTE=Martin J;6431240]I've got 7 weeks before we all head to Melbourne from the UK. Work visas are in the process of getting fixed and we have our house and car on the market. My wife is panicking as we still dont have any short or medium term accommodation to go to when we get off the plane.

Is this a common situation? Has anyone else sorted this out before they arrived?

Spending 2-3 weeks in a hotel while we look on arrival seems an expensive and avoidable situation.

But i could be wrong.

We're also losing our minds over deciding whether to take our 10 month old border collie with us. £2500 is a lot of cash and we feel it would limit our chances of getting that property we really wanted based on us having pets.
QUOTE]

Hi Martin
We do short term accommodation and we can help care for your little border collie also. So if you do get stuck please let me know.

Martin J, We are in process of moving from Melbourne to the UK and may be in a position to help you re securing accomodation.

Guys, many thanks for the replies. If anyone has any ideas re accomm i would be very keen to hear them

Movin2Melbourne, do you have accomm anywhere near the bayside? We need to stick to the south east due to our daughters schooling.

16howard, please let me know if you have any options re your property. Where it is, number of rooms etc.

Thanks again guys

Sorry to butt in here, but by bills do you mean, electric, gas water and shire rates, I thought you would have to pay your own water, gas and electricity bills on a rental.

We definitely do

Yes, unfortunately all bills have to be met by the tenant in a 6/12 month tennancy. You only get bills included in a short term holiday rental.

Thank god for that I thought I had been stung there, thanks for letting me know

Anyone heard of or used Quest Mont Albert? My office have recommended for a short term solution. they are priced at around $180 per night.

Hi unfortunatly your web site shows you as full when we are planning to arrive ) was looking for a month starting 1st week in Aug -do you know of anything similar in the area.

My work will be in Burwood East but I love the Mornington Pennisula so Bayside seemed a good compromise.

Regards

Global-151

Hi Global
We are just waiting for confirmation but it looks like August will be available.

Martin J
We have a 3 bedroom + study double story & double garage unit in Mount Waverley which will become available frm 10 July. It is in very good condition as only a couple of years old. Wil also be selling our car and fridge/freezer before leaving. Let me know if interested

We are hoping to go to Perth this year if the house ever sells
Could you let us know the contact details of the Estate Agent who helped you please??? Many Thanks

16 Howard, can you send me some pics? Give me some idea of schools and the surrounding area as well as costs for rental and terms you had in mind? are you looking at short term (6 months) or possibly long term (12 months and over)

What kind of car do you have?